Matt Chapman

Chapman was the A's first-round selection in 2014, and that pick started paying dividends in 2015, as he slugged 23 homers at High-A Stockton in only 304 at-bats. Chapman greatly improved his walk rat...

Chapman was the A's first-round pick in 2014 out of Cal State Fullerton. The third baseman received 207 professional at-bats in 2014, mostly at Low-A Beloit, where he hit only .246 with five homers. His plate discipline still needs to be refined, as he struck out 47 times in 2014 while only walking eight times. There was some concern about the amount of swing-and-miss in Chapman's approach entering the draft, but he could become a good right-handed bat in time. If Chapman fails to stick as a position player, he could eventually surface as a late-inning reliever, as he touches 98 mph with his fastball. As a position player, Chapman profiles as a gap power hitter with solid bat speed and a cannon of an arm at the hot corner. He could move through the system reasonably quickly if he puts the contact concerns to rest, and the A's are likely to assign him to High-A Stockton to begin 2015.